In the year to the end of March 2010 total crime on the district fell by 10%. Apart from a small increase in the reporting of anti social behavior and racist crime, there has been an overall reduction.

Unfortunately, there has been a massive 23% increase in alcohol related incidents. But in all other areas crime figures have improved. Public place violent crime is down 22% with arson, burglary and criminal damage all down by 15%. Vehicle damage was down by 11% and domestic violence was down by 7%. Public place crime covers a broad range of offences against the person including non injury assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, racially aggravated offences and public order offences.

﻿The rotten legacy of debt and financial mess left behind by the labour government has made it necessary, unfortunately, for the coalition government to take robust action to sort out the public finances. This will inevitably lead to a real squeeze on household budges. Your conservative District Council is continuing to look for efficiency savings and smarter ways of working, cutting out waste and needless bureaucracy.

Above all, you Council is committed to protecting front line services. HDC, like other council’s around the country is preparing to take to some tough decisions about its budgets. We want to involve you in helping to shape these decisions. If you have any views on local services or where HDC can make savings, please contact us with your views.